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To make Minute Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta, gather these key ingredients: - 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti: Choose your favorite pasta shape. Both work well. - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh shrimp adds the best flavor. Frozen shrimp can work too, just thaw them first. - 1 cup heavy cream: This gives the dish its rich and creamy texture. - 1/2 cup basil pesto: You can use store-bought or homemade. Both options taste great. - 2 tablespoons olive oil: This helps to sauté the shrimp and garlic, adding flavor. - 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings a wonderful aroma and taste. Fresh is best. - Salt and pepper to taste: These enhance the dish's overall flavor. Adjust to your liking. - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving: This adds a salty, savory finish to the pasta. - Fresh basil leaves for garnish: These add a pop of color and freshness to your plate. Having all these ingredients ready makes your cooking process smooth. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this simple yet delicious meal! Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. The salt adds flavor to the pasta. Once the water bubbles, add 8 ounces of fettuccine or spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should still have a bit of bite. When it’s ready, drain the pasta but save about half a cup of the pasta water for later. In the same pot, pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until it smells great, but don’t let it burn. Next, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over them. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and curl slightly when done. Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir it well. After that, add 1/2 cup of basil pesto. Mix until everything is creamy and combined. If the sauce looks too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. Stir until you reach your desired sauce thickness. Add the cooked pasta back into the pot with the creamy pesto shrimp sauce. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. This step is key to making sure every bite is flavorful. To serve, plate the pasta and shrimp together. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top and add fresh basil leaves for garnish. This adds a nice touch and extra flavor to your dish. Enjoy your meal! To avoid overcooking shrimp, pay attention to time. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side. Watch for color. When shrimp turns pink and opaque, it's done. Remove them from heat right away. Choose the right shrimp size for this dish. Large shrimp work best. They give a nice bite and stay juicy. Look for shrimp that are 16/20 count per pound. This means there are 16 to 20 shrimp in each pound. You can boost flavor with a few swaps. Try sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a twist. Adding lemon zest can also brighten up the dish. Using homemade pesto can really enhance taste. Store-bought works well too, but homemade often has fresher flavors. If you choose store-bought, select a high-quality brand. Fettuccine and spaghetti are great, but many shapes work. Try penne or farfalle for fun. Each shape holds sauce differently, adding variety to each bite. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. Look for brands made with brown rice or chickpeas. They cook well and taste great in this dish. {{image_2}} You can make this dish without shrimp. Try using mushrooms or tofu instead. Both options give a nice texture. You can also add seasonal vegetables. Think about zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. Just cook them with the garlic before adding the cream. This will add flavor and color to your dish. If you want to spice things up, add some heat. You can use red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. These spices bring a nice kick to the creamy sauce. Another option is to add a dash of hot sauce. Just remember to taste as you go. You want the heat to enhance, not overpower, the flavors. If you're looking for a lighter sauce, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free version. This adds a unique twist, especially if you like tropical flavors. For a richer taste, consider using cream cheese. Simply mix it into the sauce until smooth. Each alternative gives a new spin to the creamy pesto shrimp pasta. To store your leftover Minute Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the pasta cools down before sealing. This helps keep the pasta fresh. In the fridge, it lasts for about 3 days. Always check for any off smell before eating. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, the best way to reheat is on the stove. Use low heat and add a splash of water or cream. This helps keep the sauce smooth. Stir often to avoid sticking. If you reheat in the microwave, do it in short bursts. This makes sure everything warms evenly and the sauce does not separate. You can freeze creamy pesto shrimp pasta, but it may change the texture. If you choose to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave space for expansion. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stove with a little extra cream to bring back its creamy goodness. This dish takes just 20 minutes from start to finish. The prep time is about 10 minutes, while cooking takes another 10. You can have a delicious meal ready in no time. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them first. Place shrimp in cold water for about 10 minutes. This ensures even cooking. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free choice, try coconut milk or cashew cream. Each option will change the flavor a bit, but it will still taste great! Shrimp is done when it turns pink and opaque. It should curl into a C shape. If it curls into an O, it may be overcooked. Aim for about 2-3 minutes on each side for the best results. Yes, this recipe is very kid-friendly! The creamy pesto sauce is mild and tasty. Kids usually love pasta and shrimp. You can adjust the flavors to suit your child’s taste, too. This blog post covered everything you need for a creamy pesto shrimp pasta. You learned about key ingredients like shrimp, cream, and pesto. You explored cooking steps, tips for great flavors, and pasta variations. We also discussed storage and reheating, ensuring you enjoy your meal later. Remember, cooking is all about fun and trying new things. Enjoy the process, and don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors. You’ll soon impress yourself and others with your delicious pasta dish!

Minute Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta

Indulge in this Minute Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta that's quick, creamy, and bursting with flavor! With just a few ingredients like shrimp, fettuccine, and basil pesto, you can whip up a delightful meal in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this easy recipe is sure to become a favorite. Click to explore the full recipe and bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until shrimp are pink and cooked through.

      Make the Sauce: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the basil pesto and mix well until fully incorporated and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

        Combine: Add the cooked pasta into the pot with the creamy pesto shrimp sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

          Serve: Plate the pasta and shrimp, then generously sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and top with fresh basil leaves for garnish.

            Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4